In response to Miki Spies’ letter to the editor (Herald, March 16), women have a right to be themselves and be powerful. However, there is a time and a place for such things, and a yearbook photo is not the appropriate place to express a “scandalous spirit.” A woman does not need to be dressed inappropriately to gain attention and to become a strong leader. If one person wants to submit an unsuitable picture to a public yearbook, the school’s expectations will be that they want people to fit in and conform to society’s standards. Every school across the United States has approached the struggle of letting people express themselves, yet still wanting students to be appropriate, according to the FindLaw website.
Expression is a wonderful thing, but when it crosses the line from being expressive to provocative, the school has the authority to step in and say “No” because the dress code is enforced for every student for school-related things. The yearbook is no exception for dress code rules. I personally want people to see me in my senior photo as a happy, bright individual. I want to be remembered for my personality, not for the way I dressed. Women can be strong while wearing publicly accepted clothing.
Holly Tate
Bayfield
